US medtech giant Boston Scientific is to invest an additional €100 million into its Galway operation, creating up to 300 new jobs in the process.
The medical device maker said it plans to add 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space at Ballybrit that will be powered by renewable energy.
More than four million medical devices are exported from the Galway facility every year, including heart stents and valves, vascular balloons and esophageal stents.
"This expansion reflects the important contributions of our workforce here in Galway and the strength of the broader business and local community in the west region," said James Lyons, vice president of operations at Boston Scientific. "In addition to the investment in our physical space, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees can find opportunities to grow in their careers," he said.
Boston Scientific has a workforce of more than 6,500 people across its three Irish sites in Galway, Clonmel and Cork, making it the largest life sciences employer in Ireland.
It has been operating in Ireland since 1994.
The expanded site will include a carbon neutral manufacturing space in alignment with the company’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality in all manufacturing and key distribution sites by 2030.
"Today, Ireland has the highest per capita number of people employed in the European medical device industry," the IDA's Martin Shanahan said.
“Boston Scientific is one of the leading global MedTech companies choosing to grow in Ireland and contribute to a vibrant industry sector, which has a key role to play in tackling the world’s biggest healthcare challenges,” he said.
Welcoming the news, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:“This is a welcome investment in the medical technology industry in Galway and the entire region, and it reflects real confidence in the quality and talent of the Irish workforce.”
“Ireland has established itself as a global leader in the sector, with exciting opportunities to produce innovations that improve patient health and quality of life,” he said.
